Siblings

Oh. My kids. I love them. I am proud of them. Not just for who they are but who they have been and who they will become. Already. As siblings.. they may bicker and argue (more and more as the years go on) but they have a solid bond. They support each other. Honestly, they are the greatest gift I could have given to each one of them. I can only hope they keep this bond as they venture into adults. Because it is then that their individual qualities will really be needed by the other.

Brandon is quick becoming the best role model and big brother figure. He'll keep them accountable and remind them of what is important for their goals and successes. He picks one thing and masters it. He knows what he wants in life, for himself. That is to be the best he can be. We remind him to be a kid. Have fun and enjoy his friends because these are the years that truly shape who you are. The basis for your future that you will always look back on. Being the oldest, he knows the word responsibility... does what is asked of him without a word because he knows that the reward is greater when you work hard for it. His gift to the others is definitely leading by example and will be there to help accomplish things together. He's going to have their back when they need motivation and purpose. When they don't know what college to go to.. or what direction to take. He will help them with the steps to get there and to make it happen.

Kali is the family jackie of all trades. She finds an interest.. she does it and she does good at it. She has the magnetic personality that everyone wants to be around. Yesterday as I was telling her that there will be alot of people in the stands looking at her and to just focus on her squad... she said "Mom, I don't get stage fright." This is true. She can put herself out there in life and not be afraid. She has gotten let down but she keeps on going. She's tenacious and vibrant. If she wants something.. she tries for it. Her spirit amazes me. She is definitely her sibling's cheerleader. She will be the support and feminine love that her brothers need.. long after they are out of the house. She will be the positive support .. the "you can do it" voice they will need to make that final decision. "Can I really take this job?..." One of her brothers will ask.. "Yes. You can... and you will do great because...." They are so lucky to have her as such a positive force. She will remind them that sometimes.. a hug really does cure it all. Being the only girl... she will be bombarded with girl questions from her brothers and be the one to help translate their relationships. They couldn't ask for more level-headed advice. She will help put it in perspective why their future wives do what they do. Because they just want a hug and cuddle!

Evan.... Evan will be there to remind them to not take life too seriously. Yet, he will be the one to constantly instill in them the importance of the family unit. The first two will be off... doing their own thing and it will be him to remind them they need to come home and visit mom and dad. That our hearts are what is important... and it's those who have cared for us who deserves our time. I think .... in my older days, it will be Evan that I am so thankful for. He won't forget and he won't get too caught up to visit. He will be arranging the get-togethers and be the Uncle that all my grandchildren will adore. He will be the one to drop all he is doing in a millisecond to help his brothers or sister in need. If one of them gets themselves in a bad living situation. It will be Evan that leaves where he is and drives 3 hours to help them move at 11:00 pm. He may be the source of little brother annoyance right now... but his heart is the so deep and his mind is so loving. He puts himself after everyone else and that my brothers and sisters... Is rare.

Ashton is far too little to get a feel for his qualities and aspirations.. but he is the littlest, by far. He is so fortunate to see these wonderful three grow and become who they are. I can only imagine how they will rub off on him. For now, he can sit up on daddy's shoulders and watch them on the sidelines. He's the luckiest baby on earth with these brothers and sister. They will be there for every step he learns and every word he speaks and I am positive that if ever he needs someone other than his mom or dad... he can call any one of these other three... and they will have exactly what he needs to do or hear. He will forever be the baby. They will forever help him with life and for that I know I will be so grateful.